September 9-15, 2013

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC

  • Career Services walk-in advising: Wednesdays 2:00-5:00pm, GLC Lobby
  • Cook Counseling walk-in services: Thursdays 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room
  • GLC Café: 3:30-5:00 every Thursdays, Reading Room – year round!
  • Graduate School business hours: M,Tu,Th,F: 8:00am-5:00pm; W: 9:30am-5:00pm
  • Writing Center walk-in assistance:  Thursdays 2-5pm, GLC Room D (additional hours available in the library)

 2. LIBRARY POWER HOUR
Tuesday, Sep 10, sessions at 10:00am and 2:00pm, Library Grad Lounge (416)
Regardless of your area of study, this session is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the variety of library resources and services available to grad students. Meet subject librarians, ask questions and gain key library orientation info. Light refreshments will be served. Sing up here.

3. RESUME 101 FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Tuesday, Sep 10, 4:00-5:00pm, Cranwell Intl Center
Learn how to write a resume that highlights your international experience. Sponsored by Career Services.

4. VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT FAIR
Wednesday, Sep 11, 10:00am-1:00pm, Eggleston Quad outside
                                       2:00pm, Squires Brush Mountain A, Speaker Dwight Vick
VT Engage invites all graduate students to pledge 20 hours of service between the National Day of Service (9/11) and the VT Day of Remembrance (4/16). Remembering, serving and learning is a way for the VT community to honor individuals affected by tragedies and to make a positive impact. For more information visit www.engage.vt.edu.

5. BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEWING FOR INTL STUDENTS
Thursday, Sep 12, 2:00-3:00pm, Cranwell Intl Center
A successful interview is important for obtaining an internship, co-op or full time position. In this session students will learn about behavioral interviewing, a new practice which focuses on providing examples and telling stories. Sponsored by Career Services.

6. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Sep 12, 3:30-5:00pm GLC Reading Room or side patio if it’s not threatening rain
The GLC Café is offered throughout the year with free coffee, tea, and cookies in the company of your graduate-student and Grad-School colleagues.

7. PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH INPUT SESSION AND SURVEY
Thursday, Sep 12, 6:30pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
The search is on for Virginia Tech’s 16th president. Let your voice be heard with this short, anonymous survey (www.tinyurl.com/vt-pres-survey). This is your chance to help shape what higher education will be at Virginia Tech. Additionally, you are invited to attend an input session with representatives of the Presidential Search committee in the GLC. For more information, visit http://www.presidentialsearch.vt.edu or email graduate student Kate Preston (kapresto@vt.edu).

8. FRANK WARREN: THE MOST TRUSTED STRANGER IN THE WORLD
Thursday, Sep 12, 7:30pm, Burruss Auditorium (doors open at 7:00)
As the creator of the global phenomenon PostSecret, Frank has received thousands of anonymous postcards revealing the sender’s most personal secrets and stories. His powerful presentation includes secrets that didn’t make the books, a chance to share your secret or story, and a book signing afterwards. This is an unforgettable way to experience the stories behind all of the secrets as well as gain a new perspective on how our unique life experiences are more connected than we ever imagined. See Frank Warren’s TED Talk at http://www.ted.com/talks/frank_warren_half_a_million_secrets.html. Tickets are free with Hokie Passport – pick up yours at the Squires ticket office M-F 12-5pm, 2/person. This invitation is posted on behalf of Nick Warrington, grad student representative to the BOV.

9. WHAT HAVE I GOTTEN MYSELF INTO?
Friday, Sep 13, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room D
If you’re a new graduate student who has asked yourself this question, the Graduate School wants you to know that you are not alone!  Come meet fellow graduate students, new and returning, to talk about graduate school as an exciting—but possibly overwhelming—life adventure. There will be pizza! If you plan to attend, please respond to the following survey: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1378142914609.

10. PATHFINDERS – CHRISTIAN STUDY GROUP FOR GRAD STUDENTS
Sundays, 11:00am-12:15pm, Bburg Baptist Church Room 216
Join fellow graduate students for bible study and fellowship. There are other fellowship activities as well, such as hiking, cookouts, and game night throughout the semester. For more information contact graduate student Jeanette Walters at marie071@vt.edu.

11. FREE 2013-14 GRAD SCHOOL HANDBOOK AND PLANNERS IN GLC READING ROOM
Graduate students may pick up their free copy of the 2013-14 Graduate Student Handbook and Planner in the GLC Reading Room while supplies last. The planner includes 30 pages of customized information about graduate student life and resources, as well as monthly and weekly calendars for the year.

12. ISRAELI DANCING INTEREST GROUP FORMING – FILL OUT SURVEY TO LEARN MORE
Are you interested in Israeli dancing?  VA Tech’s Israeli dance group is just forming, so fill out a short survey at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1378094084287 to find out more. Whether you are super excited or simply curious, no experience is necessary and it’s great for all ages and genders. This message is posted on behalf of grad student Sarah Krones.

13. SIGN UP FOR INTRAMURAL SOCCER TEAM – 1st posting
Grad students living in the GLC are forming an intramural soccer team and are looking for players. No experience is required. This is a good opportunity to get some exercise and meet other grad students who share your love for soccer. For sign-up information contact GLC Fellow Herman at han11@vt.edu.

14. ENGLISH CONVERSATIONS GROUPS
The Cranwell International Center offers multiple classes per week for anyone who wishes to improve their English and learn more about the local culture. Individuals can attend any number of classes per week between Sep 2 and Dec 13. All classes are held at Cranwell International Center. If you have any questions, email international@vt.edu. 

15. APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED TO INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH HONOR SOCIETY -2nd posting
Iota Delta Rho, the Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society at VT is accepting applications for membership from Monday, Sep 2 through midnight on Sunday, Sep 22.  IDR was founded at Virginia Tech in 2011 by graduate students promoting interdisciplinary cooperation and research at VT and all other colleges and universities. There are two levels of membership: full and associate.   Membership application and information about the society can be found at http://www.idrsociety.org/membership/application/.    Any questions about our memberships, the application package, or assistance with your application can be directed to Tammy Parece at tammyep@vt.edu.

16. REGISTER NOW FOR TEAM DESIGN CONTEST FOR GRAD HOUSING COMPLEX – 3rd posting
Exercise your imagination and creativity in a short design contest (charrette) based on a real-world project that’s coming to Blacksburg. The challenge includes generating conceptual design and naming ideas for a new grad housing complex. Teams of up to three may compete for $100 gift certificates to local restaurants. Background in architecture, landscape architecture or construction is helpful but not required; interdisciplinary teams are encouraged. Paper and sketching tools will be provided; teams may also use any tools and supplies they bring. The contest will take place on Friday, Sep 20, 1-5pm in the GLC. Register at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1371157074991. Contact Monika Gibson at gibsonm@vt.edu with questions.

17. P.E.O. SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FOR 2014-15 – 3rd posting
Local application deadline is Sep 16, 2013 for this merit-based $15K award for women in doctoral programs. Eligibility requirements: (1) must be nominated by a local P.E.O. chapter and must be a citizen of the US or Canada; (2) must be within two years of completing doctoral degree and have one full academic year of work left at the time of award payment (Aug 1, 2014); (3) must be enrolled full time in degree program at accredited college or university; (4) must demonstrate academic excellence, with a strong research path, publications, awards and service activities, have clearly defined career objectives, unique academic and global experiences, maturity,  and show promise of making a significant contribution to her field. Local application components: (1) 1-2 pg letter of application highlighting current work and career goals. (2) Resume. Send application to: Elva Miller, 205 Woods Edge Court, Blacksburg, VA 24060.  Questions: elva.miller@comcast.net or 951-8407.

18. OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR STUDENT MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR 2013-14
Enroll now in the VT-sponsored student medical insurance plan through Aetna: the open enrollment period is from Jul 26-Sep 30. Read more at http://www.co.vt.edu/Risk/studenthealthinsr/.

19. REGISTER NOW FOR "COMMUNICATING SCIENCE" WORKSHOP
Learn more about effectively communicating your work to propel your research and career forward at this free event led by experts in scientific communication. This workshop will be on Oct. 18 (fall break), from 9:00am-2:00pm in the GLC Multipurpose Room. It is sponsored by the Science and Technology Policy Initiative and the Graduate Student Assembly and is open to all graduate students. Sessions will examine the topics of science communication techniques, science writing, science and the media, and communicating with policymakers.  Lunch will be provided.  Reserve your space by completing this short survey: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1375887458915. Contact Anne Hyman at vtmaroon@vt.edu with any questions.

20. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY INITIATIVE (STPI) FALL DISCUSSION SERIES
Join the STPI for lunch and learn how your work can have a broader impact on society at this brown bag science policy discussion series. Bring your lunch and join in on lively discussions led by experts on topics such as science graduate education policy; water quality and the CDC/EPA; science, intellectual property and innovation policy; and cognitive enhancements, ethics, and policy implications. These lunches will be on the second Tuesday of each month during the fall semester (Sep 10, Oct 8, Nov 12, and Dec 10), 12:00-1:00pm in GLC Room C.  Contact Anne Hyman at  vtmaroon@vt.edu with any questions.

21. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON MOTHERS AND CHILDREN – 1st posting
Are you a mother who sometimes worries or has fears? Do you have a child between 7-12? An ongoing study is investigating how mothers and children interpret situations in their day-to-day lives. The study is being conducted at the Child Study Center at 460 Turner Street, Suite 207, Blacksburg. For more information please contact Kristin Austin at momanxiety@vt.edu or call 540-231-8276. Compensation: $50.

22. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR DRIVING SIMULATOR STUDY – 2nd posting
VT-SCORE (VT Signal Control & Operation Research and Education Systems lab) is conducting a driving simulator study to investigate driver behavior, performance, and attention when encountering the yellow light at signalized intersections. This is a multi-state study that looks at the effect of driver experience on driver behavior near traffic signals. The study will take no more than an hour, and your participation can contribute to the development of more intelligent control systems that could reduce crashes at signalized intersections and ultimately save lives. Participation is completely voluntary, and you will get a first-hand experience dealing with interesting driving simulation equipment. You can opt out of the experiment at any time. Must be licensed drivers and at least 18. Researchers are particularly interested in recruiting participants who are originally from VA, MD, and PA. Data obtained from the simulator will be confidential. If interested or have questions, contact grad student Sahar at 540-200-7560 or via email at sahargh@vt.edu.

 

23. FOUR- TO FOUR-AND-A-HALF-YEAR-OLD CHILDREN SOUGHT FOR STUDY – 2nd posting

The VT C.A.P. Lab in the Psychology Department is conducting a new study focusing on children’s developing ability to control their actions during games like Simon Says. Researchers are looking for 4- to 4.5-year-old children to visit the lab for one to two hours. During this visit, researchers will play some fun word and movement games with participants. In addition to the games, they are interested in collecting information about the physiological components of the children’s abilities to control their actions.  If you are interested in this study, please contact Amanda Watson by phone (research lab-231-2320) or by e-mail (watsonaj@vt.edu). This study was approved by VT IRB, #13-440.

 

24. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON PSYCHOLOGY OF MUSIC PREFERENCES – 3rd posting

This study aims to develop the fullest picture to date of people’s likes and dislikes in the field of music, examining music genre; the emotions that music arouse and personality, and how all these variables inter-relate. This study is the first to bring all of the variables together, allowing researchers to understand the relationships among variables and their impact. This study is organized by Queen’s University, an Irish University partnered with VT. Participation involves completing a number of questionnaires that are designed to measure a number of personal characteristics. Participation is voluntary and anonymous, and you can withdraw at any stage. It takes about 20 minutes to complete. If interested, please contact Gerard Breaden-Madden, postgraduate research student, at gbreadenmadden01@qub.ac.uk to participate or to request more information. This study is closing soon and participants are needed urgently.

 

25. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR “iGENERATION: THINKING ABOUT OURSELVES” STUDY – 3rd  posting

Graduate students are needed for an anonymous online survey about their self-care and self-harm behaviors. The survey will be open through the end of the fall semester and takes approximately 45 minutes to complete. All participants must be 18 or older. Students not eligible for Sona extra credit will receive entry into a raffle for a chance to win one of four $20 cash prizes. To access the survey, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8MNR3PH. Please contact vtpilab@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.

 

26. PARTICIPATE IN GRAD HOUSING PREFERENCES SURVEY – 3rd posting

Dedicated graduate student and graduate family housing has been a concern of graduate students, the GSA and the Graduate School for several years now. The Graduate School was contacted by local developers for thoughts and suggestions about ways to improve the variety and availability of graduate housing within the Town of Blacksburg. We have developed this survey to inquire about your interest and needs for graduate housing. A site has already been identified and the local developers intend to begin construction of new housing in the South Main Kroger vicinity within the next 18-24 months. The survey will take approximately 10-12 minutes to complete. The information you provide will help us better understand the housing needs of our current and future graduate student community. Access the survey at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1368026258216.

 

27. VT CREW TEAM SEEKS COACHES – 3rd posting

The VT Crew team is a club sport organization, run by students through the VT Recreational Sports Department.  Currently they are looking for coaches for the upcoming seasons. Must have coxing/rowing experience; coaching experience not required. If interested, please contact snolta92@vt.edu for more information.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

 

IP FIRM HOST INFO SESSION ON SCI/ENGR CAREERS AT LAW FIRM

Monday, Sep 16, 5:00-6:00pm, Squires 342

Master’s and doctoral students: did you know that law firms hire engineers and scientists? Consider a unique career in a law firm as a technical specialist or patent agent. Work side by side with lawyers to prepare and defend patent applications at the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Counsel clients on how to best promote and protect their inventions and technological advancements. Sterne Kessler, a Washington, D.C. intellectual property firm will host this info session to help you learn about positions, career trajectory, and the benefits of working with them. Food will be provided.

 

BLACK MASTER’S/PHD 101: HOW TO BE STRATEGIC AND SURVIVE

Wednesday, Sep 18, 11:30am–1:00pm, GLC Room C

For many graduate students, working towards the PhD can be a rewarding, yet daunting experience. It can be especially tough when there are very few persons of color within your academic department. Questioning of students’ ability and experiences in chilly climates can have a negative effect on students.  Graduate students are invited to meet Black faculty members to get advice on strategies that will assist them in successfully matriculating from VT. Sponsored by Office of Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program (MAOP).  Refreshments will be served; register at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1377269679880. For more information contact: Dr. Jody Thompson, jodyt@vt.edu.

 

NETWORKING PRESENTATION FOR GRAD STUDENTS

Thursday, Sep 19, 2:00-3:00pm, GLC Room C

Learn how to leverage intentional networking to thrive and grow in higher education. Research findings and anecdotal evidence in the area of using networks to advance your career, expand your academic network, creating a professional network, and tips to avoid common pitfalls of networking ruts will be discussed, as well as ideas for how faculty and mentors to graduate students can support networking practices. Brought to you by Lia Kelinsky, project manager at VT Continuing and Professional Education.

 

KIDS’ NIGHT OUT – FREE WEEKLY DROP IN CHILD CARE

Thursdays, starting Sep 19, 6:00pm, Women’s Center

Need a break? Have to study or attend a lecture? Want to catch up on work? If you are a VT student with children, bring your kids aged 2-12. No need to pre-register. Childcare provided by the women of Chi Delta Alpha sorority. KNO will be held every Thursday throughout the semester with the exception of home football games and when classes are not in session. For more information, contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu.

 

FULBRIGHT STUDENTS, ALUMNI & FRIENDS FALL KICK OFF MEETING

Thursday, Sep 19, 6:00pm, The Cellar

Get to know fellow Fulbright scholars (current, alumni & friends) at Virginia Tech and enjoy a couple of hours of conversation in a multicultural and diverse group. This is the first get together this semester. If interested, please register at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1378485143938. For more information, questions or comments, contact Tobias  at ecker@vt.edu, (202)870-9722).

 

LEARN TURKISH AT VT FREE

Wednesdays, starting Sep 25, 6:00-7:00pm, Whittemore Hall 257

Experienced teachers are offering Turkish language classes through the Intercultural Understanding Club of VT. You don’t need to know Turkish to start Turkish classes; the club offers Turkish courses from elementary to advanced levels. One hour class per week,  four classes in a month. Register at http://www.icuc.org.vt.edu/turkish/. Direct questions to icuc.vt@gmail.com.